Midori was created by Japanese beverage giant Suntory and launched in 1978 at the legendary Studio 54 nightclub in New York City — a deliberately glamorous debut. The name means 'green' in Japanese, and the liqueur's distinctive neon hue comes from muskmelons, including premium Yubari melons from Hokkaido. It quickly became a staple of 1980s cocktail culture, particularly in drinks like the Japanese Slipper and Midori Sour. Unlike many spirits brands that changed hands over decades, Midori has been a Suntory product from day one — it's not an acquisition masquerading as something else, just a corporate product that doesn't loudly announce its parentage.
There's no active deception here — Suntory isn't hidden, it's just not marketed. The exotic Japanese branding and melon mystique create distance from the corporate parent without technically lying. Most consumers would be surprised to learn it comes from the same company that owns Jim Beam and Maker's Mark.
Every bottle sold sends profits to Suntory Holdings in Osaka, Japan — a multinational with over $20 billion in annual revenue. Suntory also owns Beam Suntory (bourbon), Orangina, and Lucozade. Your Midori Sour is funding a global drinks empire.
Purchasing Midori supports Japanese multinational interests rather than local Australian distillers. While not inherently problematic, consumers seeking to support local industry should know their money is Tokyo-bound, not staying in Australian hands.
For Australian-made melon liqueur alternatives, consider Archie Rose's specialty liqueurs from Sydney, or explore fruit liqueurs from smaller craft distilleries like Adelaide Hills Distillery or Bass & Flinders Distillery in Victoria. Australian craft spirits are booming — they just don't come in neon green.
